The City of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County were recognized with a Compass Blueprint Award for the joint general plan One Valley, One Vision from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) at the organization’s seventh annual Recognition Awards event on May 2, 2013 in Palm Desert. Representatives from SCAG will present the City Council with an award at the June 25, 2013 Santa Clarita City Council meeting.

The One Valley, One Vision plan took the top honor in the sustainability category, which recognizes projects that: preserve rural, agricultural, recreational, and environmentally sensitive areas; focus development in urban centers and existing cities; develop strategies to accommodate growth that uses resources efficiently and minimizes pollution and waste; and use “green” development techniques.

Councilmember Marsha McLean accepts the Compass Blueprint Award on behalf of the City of Santa Clarita for the joint general plan One Valley, One Vision from the Southern California Association of Governments at the organization’s seventh annual Recognition Awards event on May 2, 2013 in Palm Desert.

The One Valley One Vision joint plan will guide growth in the Santa Clarita Valley on both sides of the City-County border and includes several “elements” addressing growth topics such as land use, circulation, housing, noise, conservation and open space, economic development, and safety. Planning and coordination of the One Valley One Vision plan between the City of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County began more than a decade ago and the process of taking the project from conception to completion was the work of City and County employees, residents and business owners.

“The One Valley One Vision joint general plan is the culmination of a decade of planning, collaborating, and visioning for the future of the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Councilmember Marsha McLean.

“The plan provides a strong foundation for the future of our community, and having SCAG recognize this partnership with its Compass Blueprint award is truly gratifying for all involved in the process.”

The One Valley One Vision plan was approved by the Santa Clarita City Council in June 2011 and by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in November 2012.

SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California now and in the future.

For more information about other Compass Blueprint award recipients and SCAG’s regional efforts, please visit SCAG.ca.gov.